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Books matching: montreal setting

27 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 27 
  1. #1

    Bottle Rocket Hearts by Zoe Whittall
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    Bottle Rocket Hearts by Zoe Whittall is a coming-of-age novel set in Montreal in the 1990s, following the protagonist Eve as she navigates her sexuality, independence, and quest for unconditional love. The story delves into social issues with cheeky and valorous prose, exploring the impact of labels on relationships, society, and self-discovery. Through Eve's interactions with characters like Della and the backdrop of the 1995 referendum, the novel captures a period of rebellion, emotional flux, and personal growth in a changing city.

    A fluid that tastes like floor cleaner is dripping down the back of my throat. I’m jittery. Seven is more jittery, and he’s making the other people in the waiting room uncomfortable. We are waiting fo...

  2. #2

    The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman by Denis Theriault
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    Bilodo, a lonely postman in Montreal, finds solace in reading and copying the letters of those on his route, particularly those exchanged between Ségolène and Grandpré in the form of haikus. His obsession with Ségolène leads him to assume Grandpré's identity after a tragic event, delving into a bizarre and dark love story. The novella intricately weaves together themes of loneliness, passion, voyeurism, and the beauty of Japanese poetry, using haiku and tanka as both a narrative device and a message. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and enchanting, with a touch of humor and gentle storytelling that immerses readers into a world of obsession and fantasy.

    Beech Street, rue des Hêtres, was for the most part lined with maples. Glancing down the road, one saw a double row of four- or five-storey apartment buildings, with outside staircases providing acces...

  3. #3

    Nikolski by Nicolas Dickner
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    'Nikolski' by Nicolas Dickner is a novel that follows the lives of three seemingly disconnected characters - Joyce, Noah, and an unnamed narrator - who are all linked by a shared family tree. Set in Montreal and various parts of Canada, the book explores their individual journeys of self-discovery and their search for meaning in life. The narrative weaves together elements of coincidence, interconnectedness, and the magic of everyday life, with quirky characters and unique storytelling that keeps the reader engaged. The writing style is described as charming, easy-going, and plain, with a touch of humor, making it a delightful and enjoyable read.

    The plot revolves around the characters' encounters, chance meetings, and the subtle connections that bring them together, all while maintaining a sense of lightness and unpredictability. The book is praised for its unconventional approach to storytelling, detailed observations, and the exploration of themes like family, identity, and the search for one's place in the world. Despite the lack of a traditional climax, the book is appreciated for its originality, fresh voice, and the way it captures the essence of self-discovery and the complexities of human relationships.


  4. #4

    For Today I Am a Boy by Kim Fu
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    "For Today I Am a Boy" by Kim Fu follows the story of Peter, the only son of Chinese immigrants in eastern Canada, who struggles with his gender identity amidst a dysfunctional family dynamic. As Peter grows up with his three sisters, he faces the pressure of his father's expectations of Western masculinity while internally identifying as a girl. The narrative delicately explores themes of family relationships, cultural identity, and the challenges of coming of age as a transgender individual, all set against the backdrop of small-town Ontario and later Montreal. The writing style is described as gentle, quiet, and sparse yet powerful, effectively conveying Peter's emotional journey and the complexities of his personal and social environment.

    ON THE DAY my sister Adele is born, my mother goes to the butcher. It is January 3, 1969. Her belly, hard as packed snow, bobs outside of her unzipped parka as she walks up to the counter. An enormous...

  5. #5

    Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler
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    Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler is a novel that delves into the life of Barney Panofsky, an aging Jewish businessman from Montreal who decides to write his memoirs after being accused of being an abusive husband, a drunk, and possibly a murderer by a famous writer. The story moves back and forth between the past and the present, with Barney's faltering memory making him an unreliable narrator. The narrative unfolds through his three marriages, revealing anecdotes, regrets, and reflections on his life, all while painting a vivid picture of Montreal during a period of identity struggle.

    TERRY’S THE SPUR. The splinter under my fingernail. To come clean, I’m starting on this shambles that is the true story of my wasted life (violating a solemn pledge, scribbling a first book at my adva...

  6. #6

    Bury Your Dead - Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny
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    In "Bury Your Dead," Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his second-in-command, Jean Guy Beauvoir, are recovering from a traumatic incident while investigating multiple mysteries in Quebec City and Three Pines. The novel weaves together three storylines involving murders, historical discoveries, and personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of Canadian history and culture. Louise Penny's writing style is praised for its suspenseful pacing, detailed descriptions, and character development, making the book a compelling and emotional installment in the series.

    Up the stairs they raced, taking them two at a time, trying to be as quiet as possible. Gamache struggled to keep his breathing steady, as though he was sitting at home, as though he had not a care in...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chief Inspector Armand Gamache )

  7. #7

    The Immaculate Conception by Lazer Lederhendler, Gaetan Soucy
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    The novel 'The Immaculate Conception' by Lazer Lederhendler, Gaetan Soucy is set in a working-class district of Montreal in the 1920s and revolves around characters dealing with trauma, tragedy, and the pain inflicted upon them by life. The story follows Remouald Tremblay, a meek bank clerk with a traumatic past, and Clementine Clement, a teacher estranged from her family. The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters marked by their upbringing, creating a rich and atmospheric portrayal of the neighborhood. The book delves into themes of religious repression, sexual abuse, and the struggles of individuals living in a community devoid of security and comfort.

    The author, Gaetan Soucy, skillfully shifts focus between different characters and timelines, creating a narrative that is both compelling and gruelling. The writing style is described as wonderfully well-crafted, enticing readers to continue despite the dark and challenging subject matter. Soucy incorporates hints of the fantastic and elements that defy explanation, drawing comparisons to renowned authors like Dostoevsky and Poe. Overall, 'The Immaculate Conception' is a powerful and complex novel that explores the depths of human suffering and resilience in a vividly depicted setting.


  8. #8

    The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
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    Set in Montreal during the 1900s, 'The Lonely Hearts Hotel' by Heather O'Neill follows the intertwined journeys of two orphans, Rose and Pierrot, through their highs and lows, despairs, and love. The book is described as a sad and magical fairytale, with a moody, eccentric tale of two people drawn together as though by fate. The story centers around their complementary talents - Pierrot as a piano prodigy and Rose as a choreographer, navigating through the seedy underbelly of Montreal while holding onto their mutual dream of a real show. O'Neill's writing style is praised for its brilliance, rich and thoughtful words, and the unique balance of whimsy and depravity, creating a dark and sometimes magical fairytale experience for the readers.

    The orphanage was on the northern boundary of the city. If you went to where the city ended and then walked two thousand paces, you would come upon the orphanage, although it isn’t there now. It was a...

  9. #9

    St. Urbain's Horseman by Mordecai Richler
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    St. Urbain's Horseman by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel following the life of Jake Hersh, a Canadian film director living in London. The story delves deep into Jake's past as he reflects on his life, including his scandalous trial and his enigmatic cousin Joey, known as the Horseman. The book explores themes of family relationships, self-reflection, and the struggles of an expat navigating the Canadian TV business and London's film industry. Richler's writing style immerses the reader in Jake's thoughts and experiences, with elements of humor, introspection, and frank depictions of sex and aging that are characteristic of the author's work.


  10. #10

    The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
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    The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Montreal, following the ambitious and morally complex protagonist, Duddy Kravitz. Duddy is portrayed as a conniving and relentless individual who stops at nothing to achieve his goal of owning land, even if it means betraying those closest to him. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, family dynamics, and the struggles of the Jewish community during that time period, offering a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the consequences.

    Richler's writing style in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is praised for its sharp and engaging dialogue, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor and intensity, drawing readers into Duddy's world of hustling and manipulation as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. The book captures the essence of a specific time and place, showcasing the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of individual ambitions in a close-knit community.

    WHAT WITH HIS WIFE SO ILL THESE PAST FEW WEEKS and the prospect of three more days of teaching before the weekend break, Mr. MacPherson felt unusually glum. He trudged along St. Dominique Street to wi...

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